Fine Books & Manuscripts

SULLIVAN, Edmund J. (1869–1933), illustrator. –– CARLYLE, Thomas (1795–1881). The French Revolution: A History. London: Chapman and Hall, 1910. 2 volumes, royal 8vo (248 x 171 mm). Half–titles, 33 full–page line drawings and numerous in text woodcut vignettes by Edmund J. Sullivan. Period half crimson morocco over marbled boards, raised bands, gilt centerpieces and framing in compartments, gilt titling in remainder, top edge gilt, marbled endpapers, stamp signed by Sangorski & Sutcliffe for Joseph Horne. FIRST ILLUSTRATED EDITION BY SULLIVAN which is arguably the artist’s most magnificent work being in the format of an Edwardian gift–book but with the illustrations confined to black and white for added realism and with the additions of symbols in response to the great visual tradition of the Georgian political print and caricature. A BRIGHT SET. Houfe, Fin de Siecle: The Illustrators of the Nineties, p. 175. From the private library of a prominent Chicago collector, part II.